Young guns Hill and Lawrence among names signing up at Sixways

TALENTED Worcester Warriors youngster Ted Hill is among a host of Sixways stars who have put pen to paper on new deals to stay with the Gallagher Premiership outfit.

The 19-year-old back row, who is a product of the Warriors AASE programme and the Three Pears Warriors Academy, has been a revelation this season, making his full England debut in November – just eight weeks after appearing in the Gallagher Premiership for the first time.

He has since become a first-team regular and has helped Warriors enjoy one of their best-ever starts to a Premiership season.

“This is my home club so I am delighted to have signed a first-team contract. We have a very exciting journey ahead of us and I am really excited to be part of that.

“The club have helped me become an England international and my focus now is on working as hard as I can to help us move up the Premiership table.”

Hill, who hails from Malvern, made his Warriors debut against Sale Sharks in November 2017 and has gone on to make ten first-team appearances.

He made his England debut in November’s autumn international against Japan at Twickenham, having represented his country from Under 16 to Under 20 levels.

Director of rugby Alan Solomons said Hill was an integral part of the team he and the coaching staff are building at Sixways.

“Ted is a terrific young player who has shown maturity beyond his years. He has a fantastic attitude in training and this comes through on matchday.”

England age-grade centre Ollie Lawrence has followed Hill and signed a first-team contract after he impressed during eight first-team appearances and for the Cavaliers.

The highly-rated 19-year-old said: “I have really enjoyed my time at Warriors and feel I have been able to learn and develop as a player under the guidance of the coaches over the last five years.”

“I am grateful to the other centres at the Club, especially Millsy, Wynand, Francois Venter and Ashley Beck, who have all helped me get to a stage where I can push for a place in our Premiership squad.”

Matt Cox has committed his future to the club by signing a new two-year contract.

The 30-year-old, who made his first-team debut in 2008, has racked up 88 appearances during his time at Sixways and continues to be a key member of the Warriors squad.

Cox joined Warriors from north Worcestershire club Woodrush as a 15-year-old and progressed through the Three Pears Academy into the first-team. He went on to enjoy a four-year stint with Gloucester Rugby, before returning to Sixways in 2014.

“The club means a lot to me and to all the people involved – those who support it, those who play for it and those who work for it. I would like to end my career here – I certainly don’t see myself playing for anyone else.”

Solomons added: “Coxy is a Worcester Warriors man through and through. He is a top bloke and a great team man who truly cares about the club and gives his all every time he pulls on the jersey.

Michael Heaney became the latest Warriors player to commit his future to the club after signing a new two-year contract on Monday (December 10).

The scrum-half, who joined Warriors from Doncaster Knights in the summer, made his debut during September’s trip to Sale Sharks and made his first Premiership start against Gloucester Rugby earlier this month.

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